by Ray Sanchez© 03.27.16
Whoever coined the phrase “All good things come to those who wait” must have had a person like 
Gabriel “Gabe” Hernandez in mind.
Gabe has received many honors during his lifetime. He has been inducted into the El Paso Boxing Hall of Fame, the El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame, the Men’s Fastpitch Softball Hall of Fame and was even honored by the City of El Paso with a proclamation for having been a part of the history of El Paso’s Southside.
But he had never been inducted into the biggest local Hall of all, the El Paso Athletic Hall of Fame. Why? Because no one had thought of nominating him.
AH, BUT THAT changed this past week. He was nominated and was inducted with open arms by members of the El Paso Athletic Hall of Fame board. In fact, board members were so impressed they even had a birthday cake ready for him at the selection meeting on March 21.
You see, he reached his 100th birthday on March 17 of this year. That’s right, 100thbirthday
He was overwhelmingly inducted in the Media/Supporters Category. Following, by category, is part of his resume and those of seven others who were chosen for induction this year:
MEDIA/ATHLETIC SUPPORTER
Gabriel Hernandez, a former outstanding boxing, baseball and softball star who devoted much of his life to supporting athletics and helping young people in South El Paso. He counseled youths, held sports events for them, provided equipment for them and has been a member of the El Paso Athletic Hall of Fame committee and other worthy causes.
ATHLETES
Brian Young, former Andress High School and UTEP football star who played for the St. Louis Rams and New Orleans Saints in the National Football League. He has remained a true-blue El Pasoan and has held football camps in the Sun City.
Jennifer Han, the current International Boxing Federation world featherweight champion. Aside from boxing, she has a career as a professional kickboxer.
Dr. Scott Stein, who in addition to being a national award-winning body builder, has been a U.S Olympics team dental provider and team dentist for UTEP Athletics, El Paso Chihuahuas, El Paso Rhinos and El Paso Scorpions among others.
COACH/ADMINISTRATOR
Scott Brooks, who made history by coaching Canutillo High School to the semi-final round of the Texas football playoffs. He is the first coach from El Paso County to reach that far in the 11-player Texas football playoffs.
Anthony J. Morgan, who won seven district basketball titles in 10 years at Parkland High School then coached Plano West of the Dallas area to a state championship in 2015.
OFFICIALS/TRAINERS
Shawn Lehigh, who in addition to having umpired baseball games at all levels, he became general manger of Champions SportsPlex in El Paso and was instrumental in creating new youth baseball programs.
POSTHUMOUS
Robert Rapanut, who was the first head equipment manager at the University of Texas at El Paso where he worked with hundreds of student athletes and coaches for 23 years.
I’M SURE you’ll want to honor and learn more about these outstanding folks at the induction banquet on May 4 at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino. Festivities will start at 6:15 p.m. Tickets are $30. For more information call 779-3495.
By the way, the committee that makes the selections is open to the public. If you think someone is worthy of induction and has not been selected, don’t just sit back and complain. You can join the committee and lobby for your choice.
All of us on the board take our task seriously and spend hours at meetings and discussions.
This year’s board officials did such a good job they have been re-elected for next year. They are Manny Ontiveros, president; Ruben Ramirez, vice-president; Dennis Devine, secretary; Gary Crossland, treasurer.
Me? I’m just a charter member who helped start it all in 1955. And oh, what joy I’ve had seeing the Hall grow into such a happy annual event.